Business

Corporate Governance: Boards, CEOs, and Compensation

Nyenrode Business University

Not stated

Location
Utrecht, Netherlands, Netherlands
Funding
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
Application deadline
Year-round applications

About the project

About the Project All our projects, as well as the PhD itself at Nyenrode, are self-funded. Expressions of interest are invited for part-time PhD projects in corporate governance, with a primary emphasis on boards, CEOs, and executive compensation. The agenda is intentionally broad: projects may explore how boards shape strategy and oversight, how CEO selection and succession unfold, or how incentive design influences reporting quality, risk-taking, innovation, and long-term value. Methodologically, the track is open and supportive. Quantitative, empirical-archival designs are especially welcome, including natural experiments, event studies, and panel analyses. Projects can also leverage text and machine-learning analyses of annual reports, proxy statements, remuneration disclosures, and earnings-call transcripts, and may combine these with qualitative insights. The supervision model prioritizes clear research questions, transparent methods, and publishable papers as milestones that fit a part-time trajectory. Candidates from accounting, finance, or economics—whether in academia, industry, or regulation—are encouraged to apply. Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens Duration: 5 years, depending on progress Investment: Year 1 € 4,250, Years 2 & 3 € 9,750 per year, Years 4 & 5 and possible subsequent years € 3,500 per year. Fees are subject to change, no rights can be derived from this information, visit our website listed below for the latest fee information. To apply This project is only available within our Self-Funded Part-Time PhD program. Application is only possible via our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) , which also provides further details around the application package, which includes: Application essay form (our fillable application essay form) Title Proposed research question Research background & rationale Methodology Suggested supervisors at Nyenrode Personal motivation Certified copy of your Master's degree or equivalent Copy of corresponding transcript/grade list(s) from your Masters or equivalent Curriculum vitae Reference letter(s) Photo Note: All our projects, as well as the PhD itself at Nyenrode, are self-funded. Contact For further information, please visit our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) or contact Nyenrode’s PhD School at phd@nyenrode.nl

Research areas

BusinessManagementBusiness&ManagementCorporateGovernance:Boards,CEOs,andCompensation